Media Release

11 July 2007

Gangs Now A National Shame

New Zealand should be ashamed that the gangs terrorising our society are now tarnishing our international reputation, says New Zealand First law and order spokesman Ron Mark.

Mr Mark’s comments come in response to the current release of TIME magazine highlighting the problem of gangs in New Zealand in a front page special report entitled ‘Culture of Violence’.

“Successive National and Labour governments are responsible for New Zealand’s collective shame that the gangs in our society have now come to international recognition,” said Mr Mark.

“For fifty years gangs have been tolerated, appeased and condoned. As a result they not only remain a blight on our society but they are stronger than they have ever been.

“The identification of the rise of new, vicious youth gangs is of grave concern and highlights the dangers of inaction. While another generation is lost to gang activity the Government drags its heels on introducing any kind of effective response.

“For a prestigious, international magazine such as TIME to produce such a report shows just how serious the issue is, and it reinforces New Zealand First’s calls for action rather than talk,” said Mr Mark.

ENDS

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